Tragedy of bullied teen

A SCHOOLBOY who was bullied for having ginger hair hanged himself the day after health professionals ruled he was not a suicide risk. As a youngster Adam Liam Bailey, 15, was picked on because of his hair colour. But he grew to be more than 6ft tall, took up boxing and rugby and was eventually able to stand up to his tormentors and scare them off, more than a year before his death, Stockport Coroners’ Court was told.

A SCHOOLBOY who was bullied for having ginger hair hanged himself the day after health professionals ruled he was not a suicide risk.

As a youngster Adam Liam Bailey, 15, was picked on because of his hair colour.

But he grew to be more than 6ft tall, took up boxing and rugby and was eventually able to stand up to his tormentors and scare them off, more than a year before his death, Stockport Coroners’ Court was told.

The inquest heard the 15-year-old developed an impulsive personality and had battled depression in the months before he died.

His mother, Shirley Bailey, said her son was loveable friendly and outgoing with a brilliant sense of humour and was mature for his age.

She said: "When younger he was bullied because he had distinctive orange hair that resulted in him being picked on. He found that difficult to deal with.

"When he was 13 he changed in personality and was able to look after himself. Then he began to get depressed when he was about 14."

Adam was found hanged at his home in Urmston in October after becoming upset following a row.

The day before he had seen health professionals who felt he was not a suicide risk.

About six weeks earlier he was discharged from Prestwich Hospital’s McGuinness Unit – a mental health centre for young people – after a previous attempt to hang himself.

Gemma Trainor, a nurse at the unit who assessed Adam when he was admitted, said: "When I saw him he was very angry and very distressed with friends.

"He liked a girl and she went off with friends, which was unbearable for Adam. He was quick to please and if he felt any perceived rejection he couldn’t cope with it.

"I think that stems from a very difficult childhood and abuse from peers."

Jan Kowalczyk, a clinical nurse, said Adam did not have a psychotic illness but was unpredictable and had emotional needs.

Deputy coroner Joanne Kearsley said because of Adam’s impulsive character she could not be sure he intended to take his own life.

She recorded a narrative verdict and said: "He was suffering from a depressive episode and had a propensity to act impulsively.

"He died as a result of hanging but it is not clear he intended to take his own life."